Best Remedies for Constipation

Thursday 30 Aug 2018

Constipation is often the result of an imbalanced diet that has a lack of fiber and low levels of hydration. By adding high-fiber foods and liquids to your diet, you can optimize your digestion. The best remedies for constipation can help promote healthy, regular bowel movements.

About Constipation

Constipation is a reality of life. However, when the condition becomes chronic, it can negatively affect health and impact your daily life. Some research shows that up to 27% of the population experiences chronic constipation—regularly suffering from it despite trying to prevent it. Constipation can be a painful condition when it becomes difficult to pass stools and you’re forced to strain your abdomen to push.1,2

There is debate as to what frequency of bowel movements actually constitutes constipation. Experts say that a healthy number of weekly bowel movements is 21. According to some criteria, chronic constipation is defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week on a regular basis.2

Constipation is generally thought of as a condition that affects older adults, but anyone can experience it. Some research shows that constipation may affect more women than men. Some of the factors that contribute to constipation include:1

Stress

Inactivity or lack of exercise

Dehydration

Poor diets high in sugars and processed foods

Nutritional deficiencies such as low fiber and magnesium intake

Poor sleep habits such as from traveling

Natural Remedies for Constipation

With the right dietary choices, you can alleviate and prevent constipation and promote better digestion. The best remedies for constipation are high in fiber, add bulk and bind to digested food to help eliminate waste smoothly. Try the following natural solutions for constipation to improve digestive regularity:

Prune Juice - Prunes are naturally high-fiber fruits that can help improve digestive regularity. Drinking prune juice is a good way to add fiber to your diet as well as hydration to prevent and stop constipation.1

Psyllium Seed Husks - Psyllium seed husks are high in soluble fiber. When ingested they add bulk to the digestive tract and form a gel-like substance, binding to food and making it easier to eliminate waste from the colon.3

Olive Oil - Olive oil can be used as a natural laxative to help eliminate waste. It’s a healthy and safe way to prevent constipation. Olive oil is also a natural way to soften stool to make it easier to eliminate waste.4

Flaxseed - Flaxseeds are high-fiber seeds that act as a natural laxative. Flaxseeds provide mucilage that binds to substances in the digestive tract. This improves your ability to eliminate waste smoothly, without constipation.5

Magnesium - Magnesium is an essential mineral shown to play an important role in healthy bowel movements and digestive regularity. Adding more magnesium-rich foods to your diet can help relieve and prevent constipation.6